The Trail Blazers suffered another gut-wrenching loss to Golden State in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Portland led by as many as 18 points in the Moda Center, but another big third quarter carried the Warriors to the victory.

After the game it was revealed Damian Lillard is dealing with separated ribs.

Our own John Canzano had his take on Lillard on OregonLive after the game.

I’ve never had that injury. But I suspect I’d struggle to change a light bulb. Lillard is out there, draped with Draymond Green, trying to score baskets against the best roster of his generation.

The Blazers best player is on fumes.

Canzano isn’t giving up on Portland or its star, but he knows it’s an uphill battle.

I’m hoping Lillard and the Blazers will rally facing elimination on Monday. I’m hoping he’ll extend the season as he has in two other playoff elimination games, and avoid a sweep. But given what we’ve seen lately, I have limited confidence he’s got anything left.

JC also hit on the idea of exhaustion and Golden State’s defense.

Lillard could have benefitted with a couple of days off before this series with the Warriors. That seventh game with Denver didn’t allow it. Also, Golden State’s defense game plan, like ones drawn up for other star players, is designed to make Lillard’s life miserable.

They pick him up early, trap him and bump him.

Read Canzano’s full column here.

Catch The Bald Faced Truth with JC weekdays 12-3 p.m. on 102.9/750 The Game.

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